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Unemployment Rises Again at the Start of the Year as Employment and Economic Activity Decline

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:e5f3a318-6513-4bde-9f7b-f91271dd3755-2″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:e5f3a318-6513-4bde-9f7b-f91271dd3755-2″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-6″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> Albania’s labor market showed signs of slowing down in the first quarter of 2026. Data published by INSTAT indicate that, compared to the end of 2025, unemployment increased, while employment and labor market participation declined. According to the Quarterly Labour …

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PM Rama: Protests and Debates Risk the Investment Climate, Look at Greece

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”f23059fa-d42e-42bc-aa77-a09f92c68c03″ data-turn-id-container=”f23059fa-d42e-42bc-aa77-a09f92c68c03″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-3″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> Prime Minister Edi Rama reacted again this Wednesday on Facebook, emphasizing the need to remain open to foreign investment while comparing economic developments in Greece with the situation in Albania. He stated that the neighboring country continues to successfully attract …

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U.S. State Department: Iran Behind Attacks on Jewish and American Interests in Europe

The U.S. Department of State has published a joint statement by the United States, the United Kingdom, Albania, Australia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Portugal, and Sweden regarding threatening activities by the Iranian state …

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INSTAT: 18.1% of Women in Albania Have Experienced Stalking

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:e5f3a318-6513-4bde-9f7b-f91271dd3755-5″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:e5f3a318-6513-4bde-9f7b-f91271dd3755-5″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-12″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> The end of a relationship does not always come with mutual understanding. In many cases, it is followed by controlling, threatening, or stalking behavior that becomes a source of fear and insecurity for victims. According to INSTAT, around 18.1% of …

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Durrës Sees Surge in Tourists, but Benefits for Local Businesses Remain Limited

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”aa64064e-40d1-48a4-b0ec-77f5952fcf39″ data-turn-id-container=”aa64064e-40d1-48a4-b0ec-77f5952fcf39″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-13″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> Durrës is experiencing another tourism season marked by a significant increase in visitor numbers. Tourists from Poland, the Czech Republic, Germany, and France have chosen the Albanian coast for their holidays, but the majority of them are staying under all-inclusive …

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Begaj at the SEECP Summit in Sofia: European Integration Remains Albania’s Central Objective

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:e5f3a318-6513-4bde-9f7b-f91271dd3755-7″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:e5f3a318-6513-4bde-9f7b-f91271dd3755-7″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-16″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> President of the Republic of Albania, Bajram Begaj, participated today in the Summit of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) in Sofia. The summit, marking the 30th anniversary of the establishment of SEECP, was held under the theme: “Strengthening Regional …

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Albanian Parties in North Macedonia Clash Over Language Issues, VLEN Accuses DUI of Promoting Serbian

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”e206bc77-d1a5-4488-afc4-a4bc039ad7e7″ data-turn-id-container=”e206bc77-d1a5-4488-afc4-a4bc039ad7e7″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-19″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> The VLEN coalition has accused the Democratic Union for Integration (DUI/BDI) of having formalized the Serbian language in the Municipality of Kumanovo, where Serbs make up approximately 6.5% of the population. Representatives of the coalition published a document which they …

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11th Day of Protests: Albanians from Abroad Expected to Join Demonstrations in Tirana

Citizens are continuing their protests this Wednesday, marking the 11th consecutive day of demonstrations, with their main demand being the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama. As in previous days, protesters gathered at 6:00 p.m. in Skanderbeg Square before marching toward the government headquarters. Speeches by organizers, activists, and citizens …

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Parliament to Convene Tomorrow, Interpellations Dominate the Agenda

The Albanian Parliament will convene on Thursday for its next plenary session, with the agenda expected to be dominated by six interpellations requested by opposition lawmakers with members of the government cabinet, including Prime Minister Edi Rama. MP Agron Shehaj has requested an interpellation with the Prime Minister regarding the …

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Western Balkans Youth Need More Skills to Recognise Online Fakes: BIRN Report

New report concludes that young people in the Western Balkan need enhanced practical skills to detect fake news on the internet and social media, but also improvements in online platforms’ standards and transparency to make false information easier to recognise. Original post Here

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STRASBOURG – European Parliament Approves Amendment on the Albanian Language in North Macedonia’s Bar Exam

The European Parliament approved the Foreign Affairs Committee (AFET) report on North Macedonia, prepared by permanent rapporteur Thomas Waitz. The report assessed the findings of the European Commission. It highlighted the lack of progress in judicial reforms and anti-corruption efforts. In addition, it urged the country to implement constitutional amendments …

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Nufi Meets Senior Pentagon Official: Strong Commitment to Peace, Stability, and Collective Defense

Defense Minister Ermal Nufi met senior Pentagon official Elbridge A. Colby in Washington today. During the meeting, the two officials exchanged views on the strategic challenges shaping the Euro-Atlantic security environment. Nufi emphasized that the partnership between Albania and the United States is built on shared values, mutual trust, and …

News
New Property Tax Bill Proposes Market-Value Assessment with Rates of 0.1%–0.2% for Homes

The Ministry of Finance of Albania has opened a new draft law on property tax for public consultation. The reform aims to fundamentally change Albania’s property taxation system by introducing a market-value-based model and increasing local government revenues. Under the proposed legislation, revenue from property tax will remain a local …

News
Meloni: EU Approves Historic Return Regulation, Albanian Model Sets the Example

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni hailed the European Parliament’s approval of the new EU return regulation as a major achievement for Italy and Europe. Speaking in a video message from the G7 Summit in Évian-les-Bains, Meloni said the regulation marks a historic decision. She added that the measure largely reflects …

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Business-Customs Forum Focuses on Transparency, Efficiency, and Trade Facilitation

The General Directorate of Customs and the American Chamber of Commerce in Albania held the Business-Customs Forum today. Participants focused on European integration, digital transformation of customs services, and measures to simplify procedures for businesses. The forum brought together customs officials and business representatives. They discussed customs procedures, the investment …

News
New Air Route Links Albania and Romania as TAROM Launches Flights to Tirana

Tirana International Airport expanded its international network as it welcomed the inaugural flight of TAROM today. The airline launched operations in Tirana and opened a new weekly route. It will operate one flight every Wednesday during the summer season. The new connection strengthens air links between Albania and Romania. It …

News
European Parliament Progress Report on Albania, Hoxha Calls Vote Confirmation of Reform Progress and EU Path

Ferit Hoxha said the European Parliament’s approval of the progress report for Albania confirmed strong support for the country’s EU membership path. He stated that the European Parliament also recognized significant progress achieved in key reform areas. The Parliament adopted the report with a large majority, including 483 votes in …

News
Gogu Meets Dutch Counterpart in Strasbourg, Focus on Justice Cooperation and Organized Crime

Toni Gogu held talks in Strasbourg today with Dutch Justice Minister David van Weel. The two officials focused on bilateral cooperation in justice and Albania’s European integration process. Gogu described the Netherlands as a demanding but constructive partner. He said both sides discuss results and concrete projects that help Albania …

News
Actor Gjergji Lala Passes Away at 79

Gjergji Lala, one of the well-known figures of Albanian cinematography, has died at the age of 79. He passed away in a hospital in Italy after a long illness. The news marks the end of a career that spanned decades in both theatre and film. Audiences remember Lala especially for …

News
European Parliament Adopts Resolution on Kosovo: Reforms and Progress in Dialogue Key to European Path

The European Parliament has adopted a resolution on Kosovo, stating that reforms and progress in the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue remain crucial to the country’s European path. The resolution was approved with 412 votes in favor, 174 against, and 58 abstentions. “Continued reforms and progress in the EU-facilitated dialogue remain key to …

News

STRASBOURG – European Parliament Approves Amendment on the Albanian Language in North Macedonia’s Bar Exam

The European Parliament approved the Foreign Affairs Committee (AFET) report on North Macedonia, prepared by permanent rapporteur Thomas Waitz. The report assessed the findings of the European Commission. It highlighted the lack of progress in judicial reforms and anti-corruption efforts. In addition, it urged the country to implement constitutional amendments …

News

Nufi Meets Senior Pentagon Official: Strong Commitment to Peace, Stability, and Collective Defense

Defense Minister Ermal Nufi met senior Pentagon official Elbridge A. Colby in Washington today. During the meeting, the two officials exchanged views on the strategic challenges shaping the Euro-Atlantic security environment. Nufi emphasized that the partnership between Albania and the United States is built on shared values, mutual trust, and …

News

New Property Tax Bill Proposes Market-Value Assessment with Rates of 0.1%–0.2% for Homes

The Ministry of Finance of Albania has opened a new draft law on property tax for public consultation. The reform aims to fundamentally change Albania’s property taxation system by introducing a market-value-based model and increasing local government revenues. Under the proposed legislation, revenue from property tax will remain a local …

News

Meloni: EU Approves Historic Return Regulation, Albanian Model Sets the Example

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni hailed the European Parliament’s approval of the new EU return regulation as a major achievement for Italy and Europe. Speaking in a video message from the G7 Summit in Évian-les-Bains, Meloni said the regulation marks a historic decision. She added that the measure largely reflects …

News

Business-Customs Forum Focuses on Transparency, Efficiency, and Trade Facilitation

The General Directorate of Customs and the American Chamber of Commerce in Albania held the Business-Customs Forum today. Participants focused on European integration, digital transformation of customs services, and measures to simplify procedures for businesses. The forum brought together customs officials and business representatives. They discussed customs procedures, the investment …

News

New Air Route Links Albania and Romania as TAROM Launches Flights to Tirana

Tirana International Airport expanded its international network as it welcomed the inaugural flight of TAROM today. The airline launched operations in Tirana and opened a new weekly route. It will operate one flight every Wednesday during the summer season. The new connection strengthens air links between Albania and Romania. It …

News

European Parliament Progress Report on Albania, Hoxha Calls Vote Confirmation of Reform Progress and EU Path

Ferit Hoxha said the European Parliament’s approval of the progress report for Albania confirmed strong support for the country’s EU membership path. He stated that the European Parliament also recognized significant progress achieved in key reform areas. The Parliament adopted the report with a large majority, including 483 votes in …

News

Gogu Meets Dutch Counterpart in Strasbourg, Focus on Justice Cooperation and Organized Crime

Toni Gogu held talks in Strasbourg today with Dutch Justice Minister David van Weel. The two officials focused on bilateral cooperation in justice and Albania’s European integration process. Gogu described the Netherlands as a demanding but constructive partner. He said both sides discuss results and concrete projects that help Albania …

News

Actor Gjergji Lala Passes Away at 79

Gjergji Lala, one of the well-known figures of Albanian cinematography, has died at the age of 79. He passed away in a hospital in Italy after a long illness. The news marks the end of a career that spanned decades in both theatre and film. Audiences remember Lala especially for …

News

European Parliament Adopts Resolution on Kosovo: Reforms and Progress in Dialogue Key to European Path

The European Parliament has adopted a resolution on Kosovo, stating that reforms and progress in the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue remain crucial to the country’s European path. The resolution was approved with 412 votes in favor, 174 against, and 58 abstentions. “Continued reforms and progress in the EU-facilitated dialogue remain key to …